"America's advocate for the availability of clean, safe, well
designed public restrooms"

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to the ARA are tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the
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METRORAIL (WMATA) STATION RESTROOM 2005 Media support and work page

...
Here I was looking for the signs, knowing what they look like, and I could not find
them in 22 of the 29 stations I visited. ... ...The wording on the signs is intimidating and makes one hesitate to even ask to use the restroom. The locations of the signs were not consistent and they seldom appeared at the same locations in the 7 kiosks where I did spot
them...

A Metrorail rider advocacy group
poll does not include closed restrooms as a rider issue,
If you think it should, take the poll and add restrooms under 'other'2005
Rider
Poll

OVERVIEW

For many years Metrorail station managers often told riders that there were no station restrooms or that they were for employees only. In November of 2003 the WMATA Board voted to improve customer access at Metrorail station restrooms. Due to terrorist concerns it was decided to keep the restrooms locked but signs were installed providing instruction for customers in need. Initially it appeared the problem had been resolved but then during heightened security alerts WMATA public releases stated, "the restrooms would be locked".
The restrooms were already locked; what was really meant was that
station managers would not honor requests. The access-controlled toilet facilities
at Metrorail stations are clearly more secure than those at airports and trains stations. This
additional WMATA policy appears an unnecessarily severe response. One of the initial reasons given for the normal locked door policy was the potential for terrorism in the Metro system.
In addition to the security closings, a more troubling problem began around the beginning of 2005. Station managers
again began saying there were no customer restrooms and, worse, the signs at many stations were removed.

The Chair of the WMATA Board confirmed that the Board
was
not aware of and had not approved the removal the restroom signs. At this time it is not clear what
action is being done to resolve the problem.

RECOMMENDATIONS

An initial goal of the Public Restroom Initiative [advocacy group arguing for riders] was to have large unambiguous signs [see top of page] placed on walls in clear view of all riders. It is hoped this solution will be re-considered now that the small difficult to see kiosk signs are being removed.

We also would like to see our previously recommended suggestion for remote unlocking devices, reconsidered. This would allow station managers to control access without physically accompanying patrons.

Finally, we would like to see an independent security
threat assessment to determine if the additional restrictions during heightened security alerts are necessary considering
that terrorism was the justification for keeping the restrooms locked and under station manager control.

HISTORY

July 2002 - Washington Post Special Report provides comprehensive look at the problems faced by Metrorail riders when they need to use the restroom. The Post story was followed by coverage in multiple media outlets. Based on public interest, the Chair of the WMATA Operations Board, Dana Kauffman learned that Metrorail operations employees felt that if the public was allowed to use the restrooms the facilities would be used to take drugs and for prostitution. Dana asked that a 6 month test be run at the Huntington Station to validate the concerns. The Huntington Station has 2 sets of
customer restrooms with a total of 18 toilet fixtures and it has
additional 'employee only' restrooms. Metro officials feared that allowing the public to see these high quality restrooms would make it difficult to end the 6 month test and would lead to a demand that other stations restrooms be opened. They proposed instead, the installation and test of an automated self-cleaning toilet.

January 2003 - Huntington Station Self-Cleaning public restroom operational.

June 2003 - Then Chairman of the WMATA Board, Chris Zimmerman asked Executive Director of WMATA, Richard White to evaluate the impact
of unrestricted station restroom access at all stations.

July 2003 - Richard White established team to evaluate impact of opening station restrooms to the public.

Sept 2003 - Metro's Security Officer argued to keep
the restrooms closed to customers but at an Operations Board meeting
open to the public, Metro Deputy General Manager James Gallagher proposed customers use of restrooms at a majority of
stations stating that a terrorist bombing of these restrooms would not
curtail rail service. As a compromise It was decided to keep the restrooms
locked but install signs that would notify customers that restrooms were
available on request. Five stations would not provide customer access due to additional security concerns.

Nov 2003 - The full WMATA Board voted to accept the proposed restroom policy and directed that the policy be
implemented by the end of the year.

May 29 2004 - WMATA Executive Director Richard White said during an interview on NBC4 Viewpoint that the new restroom policy was a success and had caused no problems.

August 2005 - Reports from riders indicate that station restrooms signs are being removed and that many station managers are again indicating there are no customer restrooms. In addition, during code orange security alerts
WMATA has been announcing the station restrooms will be locked and customer use prohibited.

[Ed note: Terrorism was the argument for the 'always locked policy’.
Especially since train stations and airport restrooms are not locked, the justification for this draconian Metrorail prohibition is not clear]

FROM THE ARCHIVES

'Master Agreements'
between WMATA and each Jurisdiction, require that the station be design in
accordance with local building codes. These codes require sufficient water
fountains and toilet facilities for all occupants. With up to 18
Toilets in the largest station, clearly customer use was intended.
The restrooms are locked to prevent misuse. By policy, rider access to these facilities
is via a request to the Station Manager. According to a Metro
Spokesman, requests may be refused "in those rare occasions when they feel customer safety
could be in jeopardy(2)"

Unfortunately over time, 'rather then in rare occasions' many station
managers began to routinely refuse patron requests. At a public
hearing(3) WMATA's Operations
Chief admitted they routinely deny patrons restroom access and claimed the
restrooms were built to service only WMATA employees. This has
resulted in lower quality of life for some commuters and has precluded the
use of mass-transit by others.

[Based on the assumption that all station restrooms must
remain locked, ]
Recommend the following be implemented as soon as possible
...

Produce an unambiguous Patron Restroom Policy for
example "the station manager shall honor all patron requests
to use the restroom except in those
rare occasions when customer safety could be in jeopardy"

Since happens only on "rare
occasions"(2),
when a request is denied, transit police should be
notified and the incident (briefly) documented.

Policy should be posted where it
can be viewed by all patrons.

This should include permanent,
high quality signs at the stations, as well as clear statements in the metrorail system brochures (available at
every station), in the small print of system maps and on the WMATA Web Site. This should include permanent,
high quality signs at the stations, as well as clear statements in the metrorail system brochures (available at
every station), in the small print of system maps and on the WMATA Web Site. Policy should be posted where it
can be viewed by all patrons. This should include permanent,
high quality signs at the stations, as well as clear statements in the metrorail system brochures (available at
every station), in the small print of system maps and on the WMATA Web Site.

Since many potential riders no longer
consider mass-transit an option because of restroom access
uncertainties, advertise the Policy. To
increase ridership, hesitant 'potential' patrons must feel
confident that their requests to use a locked facility
will always be quickly honored. Increased Metrorail
usage improves our environment, reduces traffic congestion and
increases Metro's fare-take. More riders paying to use
the system and the reduced need to steam-clean the
System,
may
well offset any increased bathroom overhead. A win for
everyone!

Recommend the following additional future steps be
considered ...

To reduce Station Manager burden
test an unlocked restroom. The test plan, the test operation
and results should be analyzed by a disinterested party. Not
immediately announcing the test would gradually increase usage which
should allow O&M staff time to react.

Install a CCTV camera at any test
locations without a sight-line to the station kiosk.

Consider restroom lock modification to allow swipe
card access for patrons who could reasonably be expected to often need
restroom access. Many governmental and
commercial entities use electronic access control to improve
security. Typically the recurring operation and maintenance cost
is less than for mechanical systems that require re-keying.

Provide remote release (buzz-in)
locks. To preclude the need for a Station Manager to leave
his post provide remote keyless entry similar to that used to open car
or garage doors from a distance.

Install Restroom Advertising. If patron
usage increases to the point where it has a measurable impact on
cleaning costs, it has also reached a point where the facility has
advertising value. Based on typical returns at a
restaurant, the four-stall woman's restroom at Greenbelt Station would
be expected to generate a return of $1500 to $2500 a year. [Support link]

Implement an 'Adopt a Restroom' Program. Should
the results of the trial indicate an overhead significantly greater
than that faced by the restroom operations staff at Train Stations,
Airports and at Shopping Malls, then consider volunteer assistance or
commercial sponsorship. Metro stations, trains and buses carry
advertisements, as could their restrooms.

Stations with large flat surface commuter parking, should have
at least one discretely located chemical/portable toilet. These stations are
'transfer points' for commuters who drive, take
the bus, ride their bike or walk to the station. Many face a lengthy
period without restroom on the the next leg of their commute.
They should not have to continue if they first need relief.
Weekly negotiated contract maintenance at a construction
site with a single portable toilet is $17 [PSAI]

Getting from
Alexandria to Baltimore without the nuisance of driving through rush
hour traffic seemed easy enough. All I needed to do was walk 15 minutes
to the Braddock metro and stay on for about 50 minutes to the Greenbelt
metro, then hop on the bus and enjoy the one hour leisurely ride to BWI.
What I hadn't anticipated was that at no point was there a public
restroom. About halfway to Greenbelt I began to feel the uncomfortable
fullness of my bladder. Believe me I was the first one off the train.
Running up to the attendant I asked for the restroom and was told there
wasn't one. Hoping that I could make it to BWI without embarrassing
myself. I pulled my luggage outside and waited for the bus. The
schedule said the bus arrived at 6:14 which meant 10 minutes. I was
angry and in pain. The bushes began to look more and more welcoming.
Finally, in indignation, I rolled my suitcase back to the attendant and
pleaded that it was an " emergency.

I was
again told that there was no public facility. Another worker outside of
the kiosk caught the brunt of my complaints. Obviously there was a
facility otherwise how could they
work there all day. Wasn't it interesting that my tax dollars paid for
this system and I was being treated this way and on and on. What a
picture I made, young woman in a business suit bending over holding her
stomach area obviously in dire need of a toilet. Finally he told me I
could use the employee restroom. He unlocked it and stood guard as I relieved
myself then promptly locked it back. I was much relieved physically but
not emotionally. I left this situation feeling degraded and humiliated.
As I went back to the bus stop I noticed a man urinating on the bushes.
Is it any wonder that half the metro stops smell of urine?"

"R. Kennedy, M.Ed.
Public Health Professional"

PLEADING WORKS FOR 73 YEAR-OLD
WOMAN

On June 13, I walked into the Gallery
Place Metro station when I suddenly realized that I had to go to
the bathroom NOW. I had had a few prior experiences like
that--maybe three in 10 years--and, each time, the stationmaster
graciously let me use the bathroom. So I was quite confident
when I approached the stationmaster who was in his
enclosure. When I asked him to use the bathroom, he just shook his
head "no." When I insisted more urgently, he
pointed up the escalators as if to say that there were bathrooms
up there. Although I really knew that there are no public
bathrooms in Metro, I went up the escalator, but realized that I
did not have enough time to go to one of the restaurants across
the street.

I went back down the escalator.
This time I said to the stationmaster: "PLEASE, let me
use the bathroom; I am having AN EMERGENCY NOW. He
did, but very reluctantly.

This is the closest I have ever come to a bathroom disaster in
public, and I am VERY frightened that it will happen again.
Of course, the episode was embarrassing and demeaning.
I am a 73 year-old female, but I still enjoy Imax and Wolftrap and
the Kennedy Center. I can certainly understand the problems
and pitfalls of public restrooms, but I hope that some
solution can be found in DC.

A few weeks ago a friend and I took
advantage of Metro no-fare subway rides (Transit Day) to check out
the localities around stations we had never used. In general our
experience with Metrorail was pleasant, with one exception.

I got angry, at first, with the
kind of people who do these things. I'm now wondering why a major
transit system has no restrooms, or at least portable toilets,
near the parking lots…

Washington Post June 19, 1998; Page A24
Section: OP/ED

Metrorail fails WW II Vet

Before
Pop died, he visited at my suburban D.C. home. As a World War II
pilot, he was anxious to see the Air and Space Museum. He had
never used Metrorail, and seemed excited as we drove to the
station. On the escalator, Pop said he’d hit the men’s room
while I got the passes.

“Pop there
are no restrooms”. His face expressed
disbelief. "Ask the attendant, he might let
you use his". He was too proud to ask, and
looking much older, said, “We better head back."

I write to you today in my capacity as President of the Simon Foundation
for Continence, an internationally recognized non-profit organization
dedicated to serving people with incontinence - the loss of bladder and/or
bowel control. It is estimated that over 20 million Americans are
affected by incontinence, a medical condition which does not discriminate
by sex, race, age, wealth or social status.

In your upcoming role as Chair of the Metrorail Operations Board, I
trust you are becoming well educated to the many health conditions such as
benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), prostate cancer, multiple sclerosis,
paraplegia, irritable bowel syndrome, spinabifida and urinary tract
infections, to name just a few, that demand ready access to a bathroom.
A ready access that is all too often denied - leading people to cope by
remaining in their homes where they can be assured of reaching a bathroom
in time.

It is my understanding that although Washington subway stations are
equipped with significant toilet assets, current policy denies use of
these facilities to riders. I urge you to make changing this policy
your number one priority. For millions of Americans, access to a
washroom is not a convenience, but rather the difference between getting
out into the world and becoming a contributing member of society or
remaining hidden at home. By providing access to washrooms
throughout the D.C. area, you will not only liberate friends, neighbors,
and perhaps even family members, but also set an example for the rest of
our nation to follow.

If I or any of the dedicated medical professionals on the Simon
Foundation's Board can provide you with medical information or further
help in reaching this goal, please do not hesitate to call upon us.

I am a urogynecologist at the University of Iowa College of Medicine,
and as such, spend my days trying to protect and improve women's bladder
health. I write to you in your capacity as the chair of the
Metrorail Operations Board. Issues related to bathroom access are
not widely discussed, but are integral to people's ability to use public
transportation. Millions of Americans suffer from urinary
incontinence, urinary urgency, urinary tract infections, and other
diseases that require ready bathroom access in order to function well in
society. It is my understanding that current Washington subway
station restrooms are available only for employees (obviously, also very
important!) and urge you to work towards extending this same right to
urinate to your passengers. If I can provide you with any medical
information about this issue, please feel free to email me.

Sincerely yours,

Ingrid Nygaard, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
University of Iowa

From: (PDSK8R) DateTime: 7/8/2002 7:15:16 AM I was pleased to see the Washington Post article about the lack of public restrooms in the Washington Metro System. It is a shame that a world-class metro system has ignored the fact that humans have a natural need to use the restroom. I often walk long distances to get from place to place but depending on time and distance I use Metro as part of the trip. Depending on the how long I walk, it would be great to know that the Metro restroom is definitely available before I start a train ride.

From:(SAMMI22204) DateTime: 7/8/2002 10:28:10 AM
I have a bus stop at my door with several routes. Great service. I am one mile from a Metro station. The price is right. This is the
reason I live where I do. However, twice I needed a rest room bad and was denied. Left the station and had a problem finding a restroom. I no longer use Metro. I drive.
I realize there is a safety factor. And a cleaning problem. Perhaps there could be an attendant during off hours. Safety wouldn't be such a factor at rush hour as there would be a lot of people present.
... ...
Store and Malls provide toilets and manage some how. Metro should find a way.

From: (DOUGWILL) DateTime: 7/8/2002 12:31:43 PM
Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area was planned to have a more comprehensive transportation plan featuring a network of grade
separated rail transit and highways, cir. 1962. Yet instead of building both, only the rail transit system was built up, with the highway network left truncated, under the belief that the rail system could
essentially serve the purpose of both. Despite this, a few apparently
feel that Metro rail passengers should be treated like cattle and have no restroom access.
(Granted that private automobiles also lack restroom facilities, but at least one might be able to pull into a service station or
restaurant to buy a cup of Coffee or tea, or bottled water and use the facilities, instead of being trapped for their entire trip upon the network of choice).

From: (RUSSIANWOLF) DateTime: 7/8/2002 2:31:54 PM
But I have been on a train that stopped in the middle of a bridge (orange line to New Carrolton) for nearly an hour. If I did have to pee, it would have gotten messy in that car. I think they should have toilets on the trains as well as (usable) ways to travel between cars so only two or three cars
would need a toilet.

From: (EDGIBBON) DateTime: 7/9/2002 3:15:35 PM
I thought everyone knew that there had to be restrooms somewhere in each Metro station. There are regulations, I'm sure, that employees have to be provided with restroom facilities. Ever notice the permanently installed
'portable' toilets near parking lot kiosks that are far from other facilities? Same reason why construction workers have portable toilets everywhere they work. Metro can't have a policy of making employees use restrooms in the nearby restaurants or gas stations, whatever may be the policy for riders.
When my daughter was two or three, we were traveling towards home on the Metro after shopping and eating at Pentagon City. Sure enough, halfway home she had to go. (My first child -- I had not yet learned to *always* take children to the restroom before starting any activity where restrooms are hard to find.) I could tell it was for real. We stopped at one of the stations along the way, asked the Station Manager, and were ushered to a large, clean restroom. A beautiful sight at the time. The Metro people were nice enough, but given the circumstances what choice did they have? They could either let me take my kid to the restroom or run the risk of having to clean the floor after her.

From: (ELZISS) DateTime: 7/9/2002 1:10:22 PM
Thank you for addressing this issue. Until I read the story, I didn't know that there were restrooms in the metro stations that the public could use even for emergencies. I wish I had... On the 4th of July, I volunteered at the Folklife Festival all day. It had been hot, humid and sunny, and by the time I left, around 6 PM, I was feeling ill from the heat. On the train, I began to feel worse, with a headache, clamminess and rising nausea. I was afraid I was going to throw up, but what could I do--no restrooms (I thought) and no trash containers on the platform b/c of security. I thought I could make it home, but was sick just as the train pulled into
Grosvenor. If I had known there were restrooms, I would have got off and insisted they let me use one.
Having controlled access to toilets is a family-friendly, tourist-friendly to do, and would help get people out of their cars. I understand the concerns about safety, maintenance etc. but those problems can be solved if there is the will to do it.

From: (RUSSIANWOLF) DateTime: 7/8/2002 2:31:54 PMBut I have been on a train that stopped in the middle of a bridge (orange line to New Carrolton) for nearly an hour. If I did have to pee, it would have gotten messy in that car. I think they should have toilets on the trains as well as (usable) ways to travel between cars so only two or three cars
would need a toilet.

From: (SHEALYNC) DateTime: 7/6/2002 10:50:43 AM
People with special needs should be issued a card by Metro to use the restrooms. This would include people with Crohn's disease, irritable bowel and handicapped all with physician certification.

From: (ARCURLYQ) DateTime: 7/6/2002 12:26:13 PM
My initial thought is that restrooms in the stations is a wonderful idea. I have had to leave a station I am waiting at several times because nature called...and I am a healthy, 23 year-old woman. I cannot imagine what it would be like for a person who is disabled or has a medical condition that would not allow them to run (as I have) to a restroom outside the station. However, when I think about the
possibilities of what could happen in a metro restroom, I have to admit that I would be reluctant to use one if it was open to the public. I could easily see women being attacked and raped in a somewhat secluded restroom

Based on the many employees I have encountered thus far in the Metro system, I am reluctant to believe that any one of them would be skilled or diligent enough to provide adequate additional security. I think the best thing would be to keep the system as it is, but to make a more strict policy about how Metro
employees are to handle situations when passengers request the use of restrooms. No one should be made to feel embarrassed or afraid to ask to use a bathroom in an emergency. No person should be refused this option and Metro employees should be held accountable if they do not let a passenger relieve themselves when requested. I think this issue is more about employee training and having enough Metro staff present to assist passengers in situations like these. I mean, many of us pay quite a bit of money each month to ride the Metro to and from work or school (or both in my case). Shouldn't we be able to ride in comfort?

From: (LETSROK) DateTime: 7/6/2002 6:29:55 PM I do not ride the metro because it does not provide a bathroom. I suffer from
'irritable bowel' and cannot go anywhere unless I know where a bathroom can be located or can be accessed immediately. What if security cameras were placed by the doors and monitored by a central office? That way if any kind of trouble arose, the station personnel could
respond. It's too bad that we live in a city of animals who we all have to watch out for that prevents us from providing the facilities that some of us need.

From: (HNORC) DateTime: 7/6/2002 4:28:05 PMThis is an interesting story, and one that has really never crossed my mind in the many years I have been riding Metro. I think a reasonable and sensible solution can be found. I do not want the system to turn into NYC's, but there are those who have a truly legitimate need to relieve themselves. Personal dignity is what is important, so Metro needs to find a solution to this problem. The idea of selling passes, or letting the station manager be flexible in who
receives the key are good starts.

From: (JAKEARNOLD) DateTime: 7/7/2002 8:51:34 AM
... to the person who said 'they plan ahead and go the restroom before they leave'. I suspect many of the same half million riders are also good planners but with that many riders some of them are someday going to have a serious problem and the last thing they need is a station managers who "might" say !NO!. That same half million has to include some people who just need to go to the bathroom often. How do they plan if the trip between bathrooms takes longer then what ever problem they have will allow.

From:(LYRIA2) DateTime: 7/7/2002 8:59:20 AM
The MARC train has bathrooms in the actual trains, and Union Station has quite a few restrooms. These are fairly clean, not disgusting or foul smelling. Of course, with Metro, it is easy to get off the train, leave the station, use a nearby restroom, and then get back on the train within a reasonable period of time. It's not possible to do that with MARC.

From: (HAPPYFEET41) DateTime: 7/7/2002 12:48:50 PMOriginally, there appeared to be no clearcut policy from Metro about public use of the bathrooms. I have been allowed to use the bathrooms, I have also been told that they don't have bathrooms and I have also been told that they had bathrooms but not for the public.
I personally don't have a medical condition that would warrant me having to use the bathroom often. So, either way does not bother me, but Metro needs to have a clearcut policy on public use of their bathrooms. One needs to know on how to plan for the ride...

From:(BOBJONES80) DateTime: 7/7/2002 1:48:09 PMI am a diabetic and am at times symptomatic which means I don't get a lot of warning when I have to use the bathroom. I absolutely refuse to use our pathetic subway system for this exact reason. I needed to use the restroom very badly (having just gotten off of the train) once when I was at the East Falls Church station. I asked the Metro guy if I could please use the restroom. He replied that there wasn't one. I told him my situation and he said 'Look I told you I don't have one' I think you can guess what happened. I will never ride this very poor excuse for a mass transportation system. I think it should be either improved or just closed up. I have no idea why Va. and Md. pump any more money into it. ...

From: (JAKEARNOLD) DateTime: 7/7/2002 4:14:02 PM
Your right, Metro system is to provide the things you mention for the reason you mention. They also intended to provide it for
everyone not just those in good health. That's why there are restrooms and why the station manager was to suppose to unlock the restroom for riders that needed it. Did you see the picture on the front page of the metro section. That's a large restroom! All of our tax's paid for it (and still are). According to that Metro spokesman the Post quoted they expected the station managers to only deny access in rare occasions. So your actually right, those original designers knew what they were doing,
...

From: (BLZINPUBLK) DateTime: 7/11/2002 7:43:49 PM
My blood pressure medication sometimes acts like a diuretic. I limit my fluid intake in the mornings, but sometimes I still get sudden or frequent strong urges. I'm glad I don't take Metro to work, and for this reason, wouldn't if I could....

** INFO **March 18th 2004

According to the following WMATA Press Release, temporarily, patrons of
Metrorail will not be allowed to use station restrooms based on a threat
assessment. Hopefully this 'temporary' condition will
be quickly lifted, but there is reason for concern. The arguments in the
Press Release are the same security arguments vetted by the WMATA Board
last October. The Board voted to allow patrons to use the
restrooms but the security argument led them to keep the restroom doors locked
and the under control of the Station Manager.

WMATA's expressed concern for customer safety is
difficult to challenge. Security experts have described the
serious threat posed by backpacks or luggage left on a train. If
the threat is not serious enough to preclude backpacks then it is
questionable why patrons are no longer allowed to be escorted to the
locked restrooms.

~ This message
will be updated as more information becomes available ~

... Metro officials also announced that starting tomorrow
(Friday, March 19), its station
restrooms will no longer be available for public use for the
safety of its customers. In October 2003, Metro officials opened
the doors to the station restrooms for public use. However those
restrooms were never designed for public access and most are located in
private corridors adjacent to machine rooms where someone with access to
those areas could hide an explosive device.

Metro Transit Police will close
public access to some or all station restrooms for a period of up
to 30 days whenever the national
alert level is elevated to Orange or above; when a specific threat to
rail systems is shared with Metro by the FBI, Federal Transit
Administration, Department of Homeland Security or other federal agency;
or when domestic or worldwide terrorism or other related events warrant
increased vigilance. Public access to station restrooms will
return when those threat levels and concerns are lowered.

“After September 11, 2001, we removed trash bins from our station
platforms because they could potentially be used by someone to hide an
explosive device,” explained Chief Hanson. “In carefully assessing
the bombings in Madrid, it is obvious that closing our restrooms is a
smart and logical step to further protect our customers and employees
from possible terrorists acts. Our customers understood why we removed
the trash bins. They will also understand the importance of our needing
to close access to the restrooms. Safety first. Their safety.” ...
Source:http://www.wmata.com/about/MET_NEWS/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=348

Unlike
our Malls, our Train Stations, and our Airports, Washington
Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Metrorail Station Restrooms are kept
locked.
WMATA advises patrons-in-need to obtain permission from individual Station
Managers. WMATA expects that in almost all cases the station
manager will honor a customers request to use the facilities. (photos of
large Metrorail restroom).

Many
attendees at 'Safe
Crossings' meetings are frequent users of mass transit.
Based on casual discussion with them and others, it appears...

Those using a wheel chair
and those with stomach distress always receive the OK;

Those who
appear healthy, often do not.

Occasionally
pregnant women and moms with children have been denied.

Many seniors, particularly women, would rather suffer then ask.

Some riders
avoid fluids hours before taking Metrorail, even when contraindicated
by a medical condition.

WMATA
Metrorail Station Restroom Policy as practiced appears to violate

WMATA Restroom Policy, as practiced by a significant
percentage of their station managers , is at variance with good public Public
Health, and apparently with Metrorail Policy itself.

Medical studies show the importance of regular urination, with women
generally needing to void more frequently than men. Adverse health
effects that may result from voluntary urinary retention include
increased frequency of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can lead
to more serious infections and, in rare situations, renal damage (see,
e.g., Nielsen, A. Waite, W., "Epidemiology of Infrequent Voiding
and Associated Symptoms," Scand J Urol Nephrol Supplement 157).
UTIs during pregnancy have been associated with low birthweight babies,
who are at risk for additional health problems compared to normal weight
infants (see, Naeye, R.L., "Causes of the Excess Rates of Perinatal
Mortality and the Prematurity in Pregnancies Complicated by Maternity
Urinary Tract Infections," New England J. Medicine 1979; 300(15);
819-823). Medical evidence also shows that health problems, including
constipation, abdominal pain, diverticuli, and hemorrhoids, can result
if individuals delay defecation (see National Institutes of Health (NJH)
Publication No. 95-2754, July 1995). Source 29
CFR 1910.141(c)(1)(i)

At some level of urgency, pain and the fear of embarrassment
overcome a commuter's desire to remain civil. Forcing a commuter to
use station locations not designed for relief and with no wash facilities
results in more then just unpleasant odor, it risks the spread of
infection. Additional information American
Society for Microbiology

TERRORIST SECURITY CONCERNS

Metrorail restrooms have been locked since 1976, which
makes it difficult to determine which stations restroom are being access
controlled as a response to 9/11. BART
station restrooms have been open to the public since 1972.
Immediately after 9/11 all BART restrooms where closed. After a few
weeks the restrooms at the above ground stations were
reopened. In 1995 is was learned that Japanese terrorists
planned to insert time release gas devices in restroom paper towel
racks. Japan replaced paper towels dispensers with hand dryers
and removed trash cans. They added chemical alarm sensors to
the restrooms and placed CCTV cameras at the entrances. Until
these changes are made at the WMATA stations, and based on BART's
action, there appears to be a legitimate security justification to
keep underground stations restrooms, locked.

While limited to the workplace, OSHA has clearly defined the
public health risk of denying access to people in need. The
National Park Service recognizing the need, is able to deal with the cost
and other concerns of keeping public faculties open year-round.
Metrorail should adopt the same level of concern for it's patrons.

It appears from comments made to the Washington Post, that
Metrorail's actual Policy is to honor all legitimate requests to use their
restrooms. Therefore, at a minimum Metrorail should ...

Clarify Metrorail Station Policy so that station
managers understand that no request
from a customer is denied. {Adults will not ask unless in urgent need.}

To increase ridership, make this policy clearly known
to customers.

To prevent non-compliance by Station Managers and to
inform those new to the system, post station restroom Policy in a
public area at every station.

Future Considerations

To minimize staff impact, allow pre-approved Metrorail
patrons, swipe-card access to station toilets or allow patrons to be
buzzed in.

Stations with parking should have at least one discretely
placed chemical toilet.

Where current restrooms are located above ground, are
visible from the station managers kiosk, and the bathroom entrance
is located before any other doors, move (or remove) the first lockable
door. (this could be done on a 'trial basis' at a
few stations with large restrooms)

Based
on phone questions over a three year period, before the Sept 11 attack, WMATA Public
Affairs gave two general answers for not having Public Restrooms,
including outside chemical toilets at the stations with commuter
parking

Maintenance
cost (most often mentioned)

Fear of use by vagrants.

Since
Sept 11th
safety and security has become the reason for not accommodating patron
needs.

Phone
requests for a written position have not been satisfied, however a recent
WRC-TV “Ask Liz”
documents their current position

Q: I would like to know how come Metro does not have
public restrooms at the subway stations?

A: We called metro for your answer. It says
there have never been restrooms in subway stations because it
would be very hard to patrol restrooms to ensure public safety and
security. And it says in light of September 11th events, public
restrooms would pose enormous problems for metro ...

http://www.nbc4.com/answerstoaskliz2002/1389150/detail.html

Public Facilities Policy
of other Subway Systems

A Survey of other
American Subways Systems found American Subway Systems that address
the needs of those needing restroom to be in the majority. San Francisco's BART closed all station restrooms
immediately after 9-11, but has since re-opened many.

'Who's
affected - why should we care' documents physical or medical
problems that make Mass Tranist in the DC Metro Area onerous for some patrons.
Potential mass transit commuter stick to their car knowing they
are in control in case they have a 'bad bathroom day'.

Fairfax County Social Service recipients requiring medical care are often
sent to the INOVA Fairfax Hospital. For recipients in the Mt
Vernon area this requires a Bus trip to Huntington Station, a transfer
from the Yellow to Orange Line then a bus trip from Dunn Lorring Station
to the Hospital. With no transit problems it requires a 1-1/2
to 2 hour trip without restrooms. Many patients suffer,
particularly the elderly and pregnant women.Source: Ken Disselkoen, Fairfax County Regional Manager for Human Services

Many recent immigrants, and the indigent living in the Mount Vernon Area
of the Route 1 corridor must often resolve legal problems by using mass
transit to travel to the Fairfax Court House. Many of these people
have medical problems that require frequent toilet access. The 2-1/2
hour (bus-metrorail-bus) trip requires them to choose between their personnel health or
that
of the public.Source: Laura Derbie, Admn Mngr Rising Hope
Church, Staff politically and media astute.
They organize rallies, testify before congress, and have been
covered by PBS.

Public and Government Agencies capable of influencing
Metrorail Policy

While most commuters easily handle these
transit intervals, they are best-case times. During system failure
or increment weather, commuters who are not otherwise 'restroom
challenged' suddenly face the 'urgent need' crisis that a few commuters
face frequently.

(1) No Station Facilities. No portable toilet in the parking lot.
(2) When system is working properly. (There are frequent delays)
(3) WMATA Main Station, Metro Center, has no public facilities
(4) WMATA
Metrorail Time Table

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